Match Preview

Watford haven’t been great at home recently, having only won once in their last three matches at Vicarage Road. That being said, they currently sit 11th in the table and are only one point behind Liverpool – something few would have predicted after 12 games.

For a side that is still settling into the top flight under new manager Quique Sanchez Flores, Watford have worked wonders and have exceeded expectations as they look to establish themselves as a Premier League club.

Much of their success so far has come down to the magnificent form of Odion Ighalo, who has been sensational in front of goal. The striker has contributed to a sensational 64% of their total goals tally with seven and looks a constant danger to opposition defences.

Manchester United have come under some stick recently as they’ve been branded as ‘boring’ by critics. With the best defence in the Premier League, having only conceded eight goals, Louis Van Gaal won’t be too concerned with any criticism being aimed at his side even though they have struggled in attack.

They remain unbeaten in their last four and are still occupying a top four spot. But they need to pick their form back up as they have only scored twice in their last three league outings.

One thing for certain under Louis Van Gaal is that Manchester United will be hard to beat. The fabric of the club has changed and they have become a more possession-based, defensively sound team.

Manchester United’s record in the Premier League: P12 W7 D3 L2

This will be the first meeting between the two clubs since 2007. Watford are faced with trying to beat United for the first time since 1986 here and will need to end a nine-game losing streak to stand any chance.

Team News

Watford are still missing Joel Ekstrand, while Jose Jurado Marin is doubtful with a hamstring injury.

Manchester United will be without Michael Carrick, Anthony Martial, Paddy McNair, Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw through injury. Chris Smalling, James Wilson and Marouane Fellaini are all doubts.

Key Points

Watford’s last five: D/L/W/W/L

Manchester United’s last five: L/W/D/D/W

Key Stat: Manchester United have won the last nine meetings between the two sides in all competitions.

Key Player: Juan Mata – The Red Devils’ playmaker has been quiet recently, even though he converted a penalty kick last time out against West Brom, so expect him to be looking to add a creative spark on Saturday as he looks to return to form.

Score Prediction

Watford 1-2 Manchester United – We expect a low scoring game with United looking to dominate possession, even though they’re away from home. Watford should make a game of this as they tend to play with no fear, but we still expect United to take away three points as they possess a far stronger squad and are in fairly good form.